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Placement Testing
For a list of
courses at area colleges that offer
equivalent courses to Framingham
State College's non-credit 43.095
General Mathematics course, please
click here. Prior
course approval from the Framingham
State College Mathematics department
is not needed to enroll in any of
the courses included on this list. A
grade of C- or better is required
for the math placement to be
considered satisfied. To update your
placement score, please bring the
transcript to First-Year Programs
located in CASA and the score will
be updated. As is the case if
students were enrolled in 43.095
General Mathematics at FSC, no
credit will be awarded for
completing the course. This only
satisfies the math placement
requirement and allows students to
enroll in any 100-level mathematics
course.
What
is placement testing?
Proper
course placement is important in fostering the academic success of
college students. In order to ensure that students enroll in courses
that match their individual skill levels and prior preparation, the
Massachusetts Board of Higher Education has mandated that all new
students take placement tests in reading, writing and mathematics.
Framingham State College uses the Reading
Comprehension test, the Elementary Algebra
test, and the Writing Test.
These tests are provided by Accuplacer, a division of the College
Board, and are administered by computer.
Who must take placement tests?
Placement testing is required of all
entering matriculated students
unless they have:
taken
the ACCUPLACER test at another
institution.
transfer
credits in college-level English or
math.
a score
over 500 on the SAT – verbal
(English) to waive the reading test.
a score
over 600 on the SAT – verbal
(English) to waive the reading and
writing test.
*The
letter you receive from the College's Placement Testing Coordinator
will explain your individual placement testing requirements.
When will the testing take place?
Students
have the opportunity to take the mandatory placement tests prior to
the start of each semester. Students who have submitted their
deposits to Framingham State College will be assigned a date to take
the tests and will be mailed appointment instructions. Results of all the
placement tests are provided immediately. Retesting
opportunities will also be available each semester.
What happens if a student does not pass one or more of the
placement tests?
To see interpretation of Placement Code click here.
Future success at the College is by no means determined by
performance on these placement tests. Nevertheless, your performance
on the tests will determine the classes for which you may register.
If test scores show deficiencies, students may not register for
college-level writing and/or math courses.
If a student does not achieve a satisfactory score on a placement
test, there are three options:
1. Students who score significantly below the cut-off points should
take appropriate remedial courses. Ideally, this should be done
before a student starts courses at Framingham State College,
although sometimes that may be impossible.
2. Students who score sufficiently close to the cut-off score may
participate in intensive workshops at Framingham State. Upon
completion of these workshops, held during each semester, students
will again be tested for their mastery of the material.
3. Particularly self-motivated students who are close to the
cut-off scores may choose to study on their own and retake the tests
at a later time. Appropriate review materials are available in
the Placement Office in CASA.
Can students prepare for the mandatory placement tests?
At one level, no. Placement tests assess established degrees of
academic skills mastery achieved over the span of a new or transfer
student's previous educational experience. However, students should
carefully read the materials in the placement testing packet. This
packet will include descriptions of the tests and sample questions,
as well as suggestions for achieving optimal performance.
What if I have a documented disability for which I will need some
form of accommodation during placement testing?
Framingham State College strives to remain in full compliance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act. If you do have a documented
disability that requires accommodation during testing situations,
our disability services providers will grant requests for reasonable
accommodations well in advance of the actual placement testing.
Note: the Reading Comprehension and Mathematics tests are always
given in an untimed setting. No documentation is required for
that accommodation.
Please take these tests seriously. Your performance will
determine whether you can begin your college career by taking all
college-level courses or whether you will need to spend some time
(and possibly money) in review.
If you have questions, please call 508-626-4905 or e-mail
placement@frc.mass.edu
Students
are only allowed one placement retake for mathematics. Please click the link below to find the next retake
date.
Retake Dates
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